Reflecting on the recent Aurora, Colorado theater shooting, we are all reminded of the importance of the local communities that surround us, support us and bind us together, especially during times of adversity and tragedy. It is the retired teacher across the street, the college student next door, and the owner of the local hardware store down the block with whom we all share this safe and common ground we call our neighborhood.
In partnership with the City of Raleigh, the Raleigh Citizens Advisory Council (RCAC) sponsors the Neighborhood Recognition Awards each year to recognize and honor individuals, non-profit and grassroots organizations, and local businesses that have made significant contributions to the overall quality of life as well as the socio-economic development of their local communities. Each of the 19 individual Citizen Advisory Councils (CACs) across Raleigh selects honorees in the following categories:
- Residential property or privately-owned small business property that has made significant impact on the quality of life within its CAC district.
- Educational institution or nonprofit organization that has partnered with a neighborhood group or organization.
- Community service project within its CAC district.
- Individual who has contributed significantly to the well-being of the CAC community.
- Honorees are evaluated according to the following criteria: enhancement of the visual environment; preservation of the area’s character; improvement of buildings, landscaping or signage; preservation or enhancement of the natural environment; and making positive contributions to community and neighborhood initiatives.
The 2011 Neighborhood Recognition Award recipients included four representatives from the CACs composing Raleigh’s Creative District:
- Five Points CAC: Community SCALE, a community organization, was recognized for their efforts to preserve the integrity and character of residential neighborhoods within the Five Points area.
- Hillsborough CAC: The Wedge Garden Team cleared out a vacant Park Avenue lot and created a community garden for the residents of Pullen Park, Cameron Village, Cameron Park, and West Morgan neighborhoods.
- Southwest CAC: Ray Price Harley Davidson, located on South Saunders Street, supported activities and events benefiting the victims of the April 16, 2011 tornadoes, Toys for Tots, Homes for Our Troops, and the USO.
- Wade CAC: The Isabella Cannon Park Master Plan Committee organized and helped implement the process of renovating Isabella Cannon Park, on the corner of Gardner Road and Kilgore Avenue.
For contact information for the Creative District CACs or questions regarding the nomination process and evaluation criteria for the 2012 Neighborhood Recognition Awards, visit the following CAC pages: